Achillion

Achillion is seeking to apply its expertise in biology and structure-guided design and a deep understanding of patient and clinician needs to develop innovative treatment solutions aimed at improving patients’ lives. On May 19, 2015, Achillion announced it had granted Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Janssen), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and, upon regulatory approval, commercialize HCV products and regimens containing one or more of Achillion’s HCV assets which include odalasvir (ACH-3102), ACH-3422, and sovaprevir. A key objective of the collaboration is to develop a short-duration, highly effective, pan-genotypic, oral regimen for the treatment of HCV. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New Haven, CT, Achillion believes that its scientific excellence, integrated capabilities and experienced team position it to successfully achieve its goal of advancing new products along the entire continuum from the bench to the patient.

About Janssen Pharmaceutical CompaniesAt Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world.

About Janssen’s Hepatitis C Development ProgramThe goal of the Janssen HCV clinical development program is to provide physicians with multiple treatment options in order to offer patients the best possible chance of achieving a cure. Ongoing studies focus on the investigation of the NS3/4A protease inhibitor simeprevir in a number of different treatment combinations and HCV patient populations, including those who are difficult to cure. Following the acquisition of Alios BioPharma by Johnson & Johnson in November 2014 and the recent collaboration with Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Janssen HCV pipeline includes AL-335, a uridine based nucleotide analog; AL-516, a guanosine-based nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor; odalasvir (ACH-3102), an NS5A inhibitor; ACH-3422, a nucleotide pro-drug of a uridine analog; and sovaprevir, a protease inhibitor. These compounds are being developed with the express intent of targeting critical steps of the HCV virus replication cycle with the potential of delivering new treatment options for patients.

About Hepatitis C VirusHepatitis C virus (HCV), a blood-borne infectious disease of the liver and a leading cause of chronic liver disease, is a major global public health concern. Eleven HCV genotypes with several distinct subtypes have been identified throughout the world. These diversities have distinct consequences: although different strains have not been shown to differ dramatically in their virulence or pathogenicity, different genotypes vary in their responsiveness to therapy.

Approximately 150 million people are infected with hepatitis C worldwide and 350,000 people per year die from the disease globally. When left untreated, hepatitis C can cause significant damage to the liver, including cirrhosis. Additionally, hepatitis C may increase the risk of developing complications from cirrhosis, which may include liver failure.